Sen. Theresa Hatathlie Unmasks ‘Absolute Lie’ on Sober Living Home Bill Allegations

Arizona lawmakers have advanced a bill aimed at regulating sober living homes, sending it to Governor Katie Hobbs for approval. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 1308, seeks to impose stricter oversight on these facilities following concerns raised by lawmakers since 2019.

State Senator Theresa Hatathlie, whose family experienced issues with sober living homes, voiced strong opposition to the bill during a recent Senate hearing. Hatathlie accused her colleagues, particularly Representative Matt Gress, of excluding her from discussions and misrepresenting her involvement in the bill’s drafting.

“An absolute lie,” Hatathlie stated emphatically, indicating a deeper frustration with the legislative process. Her comments came shortly after the Arizona House of Representatives passed the bill with a supermajority vote of 42-10.

Forced into the spotlight, the issue of sober living homes gained momentum in 2019, particularly via a House ad hoc Committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples. Lawmakers have indicated that fraud within these facilities has cost the state upwards of $2 billion.

Senate Bill 1308 mandates increased oversight by the Department of Health Services, demanding that sober living homes adhere to health and safety standards, including the prohibition of alcohol and illegal substances. The penalties for regulatory violations will escalate, with fines increasing from $500 to $1,000. Furthermore, the bill requires staff at these facilities to undergo fingerprinting and allows for stricter disciplinary measures against non-compliant facilities.

Despite some Democrats expressing concern over Hatathlie’s lack of involvement, they ultimately supported the bill. Representatives Mariana Sandoval and Quantá Crews acknowledged the need to include more voices like Hatathlie’s but recognized the broader support from tribal communities and stakeholders in favor of the legislation.

While the Governor has announced a moratorium on signing new bills until bipartisan progress is made on emergency funding, her office indicated that SB1308 might still receive her signature if it aligns with her policies.

Mayor Kevin Hartke, president of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, echoed the urgency of the bill, stating, “This legislation is urgently needed to root out the fraudulent operators who take advantage of vulnerable people under the guise of providing care.” He emphasized the need for state and local authorities to have the tools necessary to ensure community safety and accountability.